This Week in NFK: NYE, 2024, Metal, Punks, Solar, New Ferry, Pharmacy Development, YES Fest, and more.

Still got that Christmas tree up? The City will compost it for you, plus help you handle other holiday waste. Rip it. 

New computer-aided dispatch systems will allow for fire departments from Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and others to be integrated for real-time dispatching. Rip it. 

Nauticus unveiled renderings for a massive renovation. Rip it. 

A bill coming to the Virginia Senate would change the public meeting disclosure rules for local elected officials if passed. Rip it. 

The City of Norfolk received the SolSmart Gold designation for efforts to advance solar power in the community. Rip it. 

The plan for a natural gas pipeline expansion in South Hampton Roads was approved by regulators despite ongoing opposition from environmental groups. Rip it. 

New efforts are underway to address the suicide crisis in the military as part of The Brandon Act. Rip it. 

Federal grants ending this year could reduce the number of Community Health Workers in Virginia by 50%. Rip it. 

The Department of Defense says that it had a 41,000 person recruitment shortfall in FY 2023, while only 23% of young people qualify for service. Rip it. 

Free and reduced Lyft rides will be available for New Year’s Eve with 757 Sober Ride. Rip it. 

Operation Wish List distributed hundreds of gifts to families in need this week. Rip it. 

Naro Video Rental’s collection lives on at ODU with 43,000 titles to explore. Rip it. 

Multiple calls for artists are open for exhibitions at d’Art Center’s 2024 schedule. Rip it. 

The Virginia Stage Company is performing “Dial M for Murder” in January. Rip it. 

Scope is hosting the Norfolk Comedy Festival in February with several national acts coming to the area. Rip it. 

Not For The Weak Records is hosting a punk rock bike ride on the last Sunday of each month. Rip it.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone In Concert is coming to Chrysler Hall this spring. Rip it. 

The Attucks Jazz Club continues in 2024 with Anthony Hervey on the trumpet. Rip it. 

Currently on Display:
Charles Atlas: Selected Videos 1987–2015 at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Jaime Guerrero: Dendrolatry at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Fall 2023 Glass Studio Assistantship Exhibition at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
A Shared Vision: The Macon and Joan Brock Collection of American Art at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Perspectives: Modern and Contemporary Glass from the Waitzer Collection at Barry Art Museum. (LAST WEEKEND TO SEE IT) Rip it.
Fashioning Innovation: Madame Alexander at 100 at Barry Art Museum.(LAST WEEKEND TO SEE IT) Rip it.
Nurture | Nature at Barry Art Museum.(LAST WEEKEND TO SEE IT) Rip it.
“Foreign Bodies” by Rowena Finn at Offsite Gallery. Rip it.
Works by Korrine Maher on display all December at Elation Gallery. Rip it.

Dr. Peoples is planning the development of a pharmacy and senior living across from the Kroc Center on East Princess Anne. Rip it. 

Dominion Energy currently has the second largest solar fleet of any electric utility in the nation. Rip it. 

State institutions are studying “advanced air mobility,” i.e. autonomous and electric aircraft, and working to develop regulations to enable the industry. Rip it. 

Paul J. Atkinson Sr., the CEO of Eggleston, is retiring after 35 years with the nonprofit and growing the budget from $500,000 to over $30 million. Rip it. 

A local beef jerky company is taking the region by storm, with placement in 30 stores already. Rip it. 

To keep up with inflation, the Virginia Department of Housing is increasing the income thresholds for various programs. Rip it. 

Survey results from Retail Alliance say that 46% of retailers expect slight growth in holiday sales this year. Rip it. 

HRT is rolling out a new ferry and is just waiting on Coast Guard approval. Rip it. 

 Advanced Aircraft Company was named a “Top Ten Drone Company in the USA” Rip it. 

Local company Greenwave Technology Solutions’ latest app the “Scrap App” is helping folks get paid to scrap their cars. Rip it. 

The third and final round of Facade Improvement Grant applications are opening  in January. Rip it. 

The region saw an 8.6% increase in hotel revenue per available room over November 2022. Rip it. 

Richard Cromwell is succeeding John Padgett in leading the Norfolk office of McGuireWoods law firm. Rip it. 

Old Dominion and Virginia Wesleyan are among universities investing endowment funds with environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) frameworks Rip it. 

Regional Economic Stats. 

System of a Down, Linkin Park, and more Nü Metal tributes land at Smartmouth’s NYE Party. (NFK Currents Original). Rip it. 

This Sunday is the last day to bring the pups to Norfolk Botanical Garden’s “Bark & Bulbs.” Rip it. 

Bring the kids out for Noon Year’s Eve at the Zoo this Sunday. Rip it. 

Ring in the new year with a pig pickin’ benefiting Hope House Foundation on New Years Day. Rip it. 

LAVA Presents is bringing back a two-day music festival to ODU. YES Fest is on January 13th and 14th. Rip it. 

FRIDAY: 
Disney On Ice presents: Mickey's Search Party at Norfolk Scope. 12:00 pm. Rip it
Common Threads: a Knitting and Crochet Club at Mary D Pretlow Library. 10:30 am. Rip it
Disney on Ice presents: Mickey's Search Party at Norfolk Scope. 4:00 pm. Rip it
WinterFest on Wisconsin at Nauticus. 5:00 pm. Rip it 
Dominion Energy Garden of Lights at Norfolk Botanical Gardens. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Connor Pittman performs live at Cova. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Weekly TBMA Friday Jam at Roosevelt Area Civic League. 6:00 pm. Rip it
Egyptian Magic 101 at Aries Apothecary. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Zach Desocio performs live at Elation. 6:30 pm. Rip it
Carl Olson performs live at Gershwin’s. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
Wine & Cheese Pairing with Ryn at Vino Culture. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Friday Night Magic: Draft at Atlantis Games & Comics. 7:30 pm. Rip it
NYEE Glow Yoga at Sky’s The Limit Yoga. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
The Improv Riot: The Short Form Improv Show at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it
Moose performs live at Only You Lounge. 8:00 pm. Rip it. 
Friday Night Magic: Commander at Atlantis Games & Comics. 8:00 pm. Rip it
Donal O’Shaughnessy performs live at Grace O’Malley’s. 8:30 pm. Rip it.
The Improv Riot: After Dark Improv Show at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it.

SATURDAY: 
New Year Psychic Fair at Kindred Spirit. 11:00 am. Rip it
Slovey's Rocking Noon Year's Eve at The Slover. 11:00 am. Rip it
Disney On Ice presents: Mickey's Search Party at Norfolk Scope. 12:00 pm. Rip it
Disney Lorcana League at Atlantis Games & Comics. 12:00 pm. Rip it 
Weekly MTG Standard Tournament at Atlantis Games & Comics. 1:00 pm. Rip it
Last Minute Market at Maker’s Craft. 2:00 pm. Rip it.
Disney On Ice presents: Mickey's Search Party at Norfolk Scope. 4:00 pm. Rip it
WinterFest on Wisconsin at Nauticus. 5:00 pm. Rip it 
Dominion Energy Garden of Lights at Norfolk Botanical Gardens. 5:00 pm. Rip it. 
A Quick Sip with Kiera: Bubbles from Around The World class at Vino Culture. 5:30 pm. Rip it.
Saturday Night Yugioh at Atlantis Games & Comics. 6:30 pm. Rip it
Body Talk, Funk Freaks, and Disco Cat perform live at Only You Lounge. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
Steve Gudasz performs live at Gershwins. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
Spirit Gun, Gypsy Wizard, Balizitos, and Pilot perform live at 37th & Zen. Rip it.
A Quick Sip with Kiera: Bubbles from Around The World class at Vino Culture. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
Jeezy & Friends perform live at Chrysler Hall. 8:00 pm. Rip it
Marcus King performs live at The NorVA. 8:00 pm. Rip it
Improv Tales at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it
Donal O’Shaughnessy performs live at Grace O’Malley’s. 8:30 pm. Rip it.
Improvageddon: New Year's Cleave 2023 at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it 

SUNDAY:
Noon Year’s Eve at Norfolk Zoo. 9:30 am. Rip it.
Bad Guy Brunch with Stage Select at 8020 Burger Bar. 10:00 am. Rip it. 
NFK Cold Plunge Meetup at 28th Bay Street. 10:00 am. Rip it. 
Trashy Hour Litter Clean Up at Reaver Beach. 11:00 am. Rip it. 
Disney On Ice presents: Mickey's Search Party at Norfolk Scope. 1:00 pm. Rip it
Norfolk Weekly Pokemon League at Atlantis Games & Comics. 1:00 pm. Rip it
NYE Brunch at The Veil. 4:00pm. Rip it. 
Champagne wishes and Caviar Dreams at Four Eleven York. 4:00 pm. Rip it. 
WinterFest on Wisconsin at Nauticus. 5:00 pm. Rip it
NYE Dinner at Glasslight Hotel. Rip it. 
New Year's Eve at The Main at Hilton. 5:00 pm. Rip it 
NYE at Circuit Social. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Punks on Bikes Bike Ride departing NFTW Records. 5:00 pm. Rip it. 
Futuristic Funk NYE at Only You Lounge. 5:00 pm. Rip it. 
NYE Four Course Dinner at Press 626. Rip it. 
Dominion Energy Garden of Lights at Norfolk Botanical Gardens. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
NYE at Elation Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
NYE at Grandiflora. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Warehouse Live: New Year, Nu Metal at Smartmouth. 7:00 pm. Rip it
NYE Cutthroat Karaoke at Public House. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
NYE Live New Year's Eve Norfolk at Waterside District. 8:00 pm. Rip it
New Year’s Eve 2024 at The OV Beach Tavern. 8:00 pm. Rip it 
New Year’s Eve at Grace O’Malley’s. 8:30 pm. Rip it.
Gilded Age NYE Party at Gerswhins. 9:00 pm. Rip it. 
Robbie Meade and DJ Scooter perform live at Grain. 9:00 pm. Rip it. 
Eric Darius performs live at Brother’s. 10:00 pm. Rip it. 
NYE After Party at Bugatti’s. 1:30 am. Rip it. 

A World Of Good's Quesabirria tacos are waiting for you to drop by and dip them in consommé. Rip it.

Brunch, it’s in. Don’t fight it. Stop by Cafe Milo this weekend to spend the last brunch of the year with breakfast waffles and strong drinks! Rip it.

How is Codex ending the year? With Focaccia of course! Rip it.

Only You Lounge doesn’t just sling fantastic cocktails, but they’ve got desserts and small plates perfect for a fun night out. Rip it.

IPA fans rejoice as Reaver Beach has released Assemble the Empire, available now! Rip it.

Look at this mexicali wrap at Hair of the Dog. It’s just oozing with flavor. Rip it.

Chelsea Bakehouse needs to stop tempting me with all of this delicious, baked goodness. Just look at all these amazing treats! Rip it.

Crudo Nudo elevates the tapas game every time I go there. I’m especially a fan of the mushrooms. Rip it.

Food Truck Sightings:
Friday:
Shawna's at Maker’s Craft. Rip it.
Big Belly at Cova. Rip it.
Moontide at Reaver Beach. Rip it.
The Salty Cactus at Benchtop. Rip it.
Gocho Gourmet at Afterglow. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth. Rip it.
Bakehouse at Elation Brewing. Rip it.
Bar-q at Bold Mariner. Rip it.

Saturday:
Shawna's at Maker’s Craft. Rip it.
Los Birria Bros at Cova. Rip it.
Krazy Trompos at Reaver Beach. Rip it.
Hades Wood Fired at Benchtop. Rip it.
Gocho Gourmet at Afterglow. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth. Rip it.
Bakehouse at Elation Brewing. Rip it.
Bar-q at Bold Mariner. Rip it.

Sunday:
Los Birria Bros at Maker’s Craft. Rip it.
Sour Street Pizza at Cova. Rip it.
Waffletina at Benchtop. Rip it.
Hades Wood Fired at Afterglow. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth. Rip it.
Bakehouse at Elation Brewing. Rip it.
Bar-q at Bold Mariner. Rip it.